Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Orvis acquired Ross Reels from 3M in June 2013 as part of an acquisition
that also brought flyline manufacturer Scientific Anglers under Orvis
ownership. Based in Montrose, Colo., Ross Reels produces mid-priced fly
reels. Since acquiring Ross, Orvis has developed a clear growth strategy
for its Scientific Anglers brand, while concurrently struggling to
integrate the Ross Reels brand into its own reel business. “It became
clear that Ross is not a strong fit for Orvis’ long term strategy,”
according to Jim Lepage, President of the Orvis subsidiary operating
both Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels.

“With the help of the Abel engineering team, the Ross brand will be
updated and new products added; in addition, Ross will
re-introduce selected reels from its former product lineup,” said David
Dragoo, president of Mayfly.

“We respect the company’s strong tradition, outstanding workforce,
well-run factory and quality products. We are happy to have found a
strategic buyer that can give Ross Reels the attention it deserves and
look forward to seeing it prosper and grow in the years to come. We
wish Ross and its employees nothing but the best,” Lepage said.

About The Mayfly Group
The Mayfly Group, LLC is a private investment company founded in
Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to its mission statement, The
Mayfly Group’s intent is “To provide outdoor enthusiasts with the
best and most dependable products in the world while engaging in efforts
to protect and sustain our natural environment.”

About The Orvis CompanyFounded in Manchester, Vermont in 1856, Orvis pioneered fly-fishing and
the mail order industry in the United States. A leading corporate
steward for the environment, Orvis contributes 5% of pre-tax profits
every year to protect nature.

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year! Winter is here, the time for
planning the year ahead. There's also fishing to be had from the tropics
to rugged winter steelheading and I hope someplace you're able to get
some casts in. On the warmer days I still fly fish for northern pike
(see below). If you feel hardy enough give me a call. We can do a full
or half day at special winter rates. In just a few months spring will be
here and with it the first dry flies of the year with hungry trout hot
on their heels. That spells the Upper Delaware River System.

The Upper Delaware

"the finest staff of professional fly fishing guides on the Upper Delaware River" Paul Weamer, author the Fly Fishing Guide to the Delaware river

The Upper Delaware is the finest wild trout fishery in the eastern
US. I guide on the Upper Delaware from mid April through October. This
past season we had some of the best consistent fishing I've seen in
years. 2014 should be another excellent season. Reservoirs are already
above average capacity and snowfall has been better than its been in a
long time. If you'd like to book a day on the river this spring please
get in touch with me soon. Every year the spring fills up quicker and
quicker. Sometimes I wish May were sixty days long! I have an excellent
guide staff working on the river who I'm more than happy to arrange a
day with too.

Water flows were excellent thanks to the hard work of Friends of the Upper Delaware River.
There was one real heat wave that threatened to heat the river and
place the trout in jeopardy, but quick action by Friends of the Upper
Delaware River (FUDR) convinced policy makers that a cold water release
was needed. The Friends of the Upper Delaware River
are working on river access, spawning habitat restoration, water flow
and thermal issues, and working with and educating the potpourri of
government agencies that have a hand in the water management of this
river. The current water management plan expires this spring. FUDR is
the lead organization working toward implementing a more equitable plan
for the future. They can really use your support with a membership
contribution. Please join Friends of the Upper Delaware River

Bonefishing,Bare Bones Style

My 2014 season starts in March with bonefishing in the Bahamas. This is
the sixth time we'll be at Mangrove Cay, one of the islands that make up
Andros. We have a house we rent with nice clean air conditioned rooms,
we hire a wonderful cook and housekeeper and are guided daily by the top
guides in the area and good guys to spend time on the water with. The
dates are 3/5-11, 3/12-18, 3/19-25, 3/26-4/1. All meals, five days
fishing, six nights lodging and guides: $2,500 per person based on
double occupancy and two anglers to a flats skiff/guide. Drop me a note
or call if you'd like to go or want more information. This books fast
and due to logistics we need confirmation by early January.

Northern Pike

I've added some other fish to the aquarium this year. In early April,
for the cabin fever gang, I've added fly fishing for northern pike.
Depending on conditions we'll either be fishing a lake or a river. There
are pike up to 20 lbs lurking about, but realistically you're hitting
fish in the six to ten pound range. A good fun day on an early spring
day when playing hooky feels the sweetest!

Carp on the Fly!

Another recent addition is fly fishing for carp. This is mostly a wade
fishing game in some surprisingly pretty rivers and streams. Fly fishing
for carp is one of the fastest growing segments in the fly fishing
world. It's a sight fishing game, perfect for fly fishing. Carp pull
real hard and routinely tip the scales at seven to ten pounds. Carp
fishing is best from late June to mid October.

Smallmouth Bass

Then there's smallmouth bass on the middle section of the Upper
Delaware. In July 2007, Field & Stream Magazine named this section
of the Upper Delaware as one of the top five smallmouth bass rivers in
the US. Great fun on the fly or light spin gear. This is best from early
July through October. Inch for inch and pound for pound, the sportiest fish in freshwater.

Fall Bonefishing

November, 2014 we're back bonefishing. Mid November is an excellent time
to fish the flats and also a great way to ease into winter! This is the
same as the March bonefishing trip but we're there for only two weeks
getting back well before Thanksgiving.

Patagonia

Winter 2015 is back to Patagonia. You'll be fishing in one of the last
great frontiers of trout fishing. Let me know if you'd like to be a part
of this trip. It's spectacular! If trout fishing's your favorite fly
fishing, at least once in your life you have to fish Patagonia. We also
offer booking on an individual basis for those who wish to travel on
their own schedule. Patagonia fishing trips can be tied into wine
country tours in Mendoza, Argentina or any selection of ecotourism
destinations in Chile or Argentina. Just let us know what your thinking
and we can help you make it real.

Monday, December 16, 2013

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner
Joe Martens today announced that beginning Thursday, December 26, the public
will not be able to purchase hunting, fishing or trapping licenses, or secure a
recreational marine fishing registration or report their harvested game. The
temporary blackout period is due to a transition that DEC will undergo from the
current computerized licensing system to a newly developed system and is
expected to last approximately one to two weeks.

"In order to transfer the most current data and transition to the new system,
we need to completely shut down license sales and game harvest reporting," said
Commissioner Martens. "The loss of the ability to purchase a sporting license,
associated stamp or permit, register to recreationally fish in New York's marine
waters or report a harvested deer or bear will be temporary and the public will
be notified as soon the new system is accessible."

DEC is in the transition phase to a new system for computerized sporting
license issuance and game harvest reporting since the contract with the provider
of the current system ends December 31, 2013 and that provider will no longer be
in sporting license business. DEC's new sporting license system is part of a
larger multi-agency effort in New York State to consolidate licensing systems
and facilitate securing licenses in New York.

Hunters, anglers, and trappers need to purchase their licenses, stamps, and
permits prior to December 26, 2013 in order to hunt or fish during the blackout
period. There will be outreach efforts about the blackout period so that
potential anglers, hunters, and trappers are prepared for this closure period.
Hunters are encouraged to purchase remaining first-come-first-served deer
management permits (DMPs) prior to the December 26 blackout period. Sporting
licenses are available at nearly 1,500 locations across New York State, via
telephone (1-866-933-2257) and via the internet at https://nyfgisales.appsolgrp.com/fgnyia/html/index.jsp.
For a list of license
agents, visit DEC's website.

"If you know of a friend or relative that is planning to hunt, fish, or trap
and who may not have already purchased a sporting license, please get the word
to them about the black-out period and the need to purchase their license prior
to December 26," Commissioner Martens said. "While another announcement will be
made when the new system is functional and licenses are available for purchase,
we encourage anglers, hunters, and trappers to periodically check the DEC
website for updates."

Deer and bear season in Westchester County and deer season in Suffolk County
will be open during at least a portion of the blackout period. Small game and
waterfowl hunting seasons and many fishing seasons also remain open during this
time.

Hunters are required, by law, to report deer, bear, and turkey harvested
pursuant to a hunting license within seven days of taking the animal. During the
blackout period, hunters will not be able to report their harvest; however, they
will be given a seven-day grace period to report their harvest once the new
system is up and running.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

An
Alabama man pleaded guilty yesterday in a federal court in Gulfport,
Miss., to knowingly shooting a dolphin, the Justice Department
announced.
Brent Buchanan, 38, of Bayou La Batre, Ala., pleaded guilty to one
misdemeanor count of knowingly taking a protected marine mammal, a
federal crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
In court documents, Buchanan admitted to knowingly shooting a
dolphin with a shotgun while shrimping in the Mississippi Sound in July
or August 2012.

A sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 24, 2014.
The maximum penalty is one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and a $25 special assessment.

The
Marine Mammal Protection Act is a federal law which makes it illegal to
harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or to attempt to harass, hunt, capture,
or kill, any marine mammal in waters under the jurisdiction of the
United States.
The Act protects all species of dolphins, as well as other marine mammals such as whales and seals.

The
case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement, with assistance from
the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine, the Alabama
Marine Police, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, Marine Resource Division.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
Southern District of Mississippi and the Environmental Crimes Section of
the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

NOAA
Office of Law Enforcement is actively investigating a number of other
possible dolphin shootings along the northern Gulf Coast since 2012.
Anyone possessing information relating to such an incident is
requested to contact NOAA Office of Law Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964 or
a state wildlife law enforcement agency.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Depending on your location one of the dates between December 14, 2103 and January 5, 2014 is the dates for the 114th Christmas Bird Count.

For more than a century, citizen scientists have been collecting data for the longest running wildlife census collecting useful information on bird populations across the Americas. Some observers brave the elements for a few hours while others simply keep a tally from the comfort of their home logging visitors to their feeders, while others spot bids from the warmth and comfort of their vehicle. Either way, it's an interesting and totally fun way to spend a few hours on your select day, and you don't have to be a hardcore birder to participate.

Monday, December 09, 2013

Sea surface temperatures for the Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem
(LME) remained high during the first half of 2013, but were lower
than the record high levels that occurred in 2012, according to NOAA’s
Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Sea surface temperatures
(SST) for the Northeast Shelf in the first half of 2013 were just above
9 degrees Celsius; as a whole, they declined more than 1 degree C,
making 2013 the third warmest year in the time series. The results are
reported in the Center's latest Ecosystem Advisory.

"Surface and bottom temperatures have moderated since 2012,
when temperatures reached record highs, but still remain above average,
continuing the trend of above average temperatures observed during
autumn and winter months,” said Kevin Friedland, an oceanographer in
the NEFSC's Ecosystem Assessment Program. Bottom ocean temperatures are
being influenced by water entering the ecosystem.

The moderation in temperature from 2012 was not uniform over
the Northeast Shelf. Northern "ecoregions", such as the Gulf of Maine
and Georges Bank, remained relatively warm, while the Middle Atlantic
Bight cooled to a greater extent. Sea surface temnperature (SST) in the
Middle Atlantic Bight declined by nearly 2 degrees C, making it the
ninth warmest year on record in that region.

Spring plankton blooms, which usually peak in April in the
Gulf of Maine and on Georges Bank, were well below average in 2013.
Along the coast of Long Island a strong spring bloom occurred, which
is not typical for this part of the ecosystem. The below-average
plankton bloom in the Gulf of Maine appears to have adversely affected
zooplankton populations that are critical to the base of the food
chain.

“An abrupt shift is evident in the time when key spring warming
occurs. “We believe that the changes in the timing of warming events
have affected plant and animal reproduction,” Friedland said. Thedate
of the spring thermal transition - which marks the average temperature
between winter and spring - was relatively constant between 1982 and
2006, but since 2006 has occurred two weeks earlier.

The Northeast Shelf ecosystem continues to experience wide
swings in physical conditions. The biological responses to these
pronounced physical fluctuations have significantly influenced the
dynamics of the Northeast Shelf LME, according to the advisory.

To view the spring 2013 summary of conditions for the Northeast Shelf Ecosystem and related background data, go to Ecosystem Advisory.

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving
our nation’s living marine resources and their habitat through
scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries Service
provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the
nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and
helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and
recreational opportunities for the American public.

NOAA officials today issued a final rule continuing protections to
reduce lethal vessel collisions with the highly endangered North
Atlantic right whale.

The ship strike reduction rule, first
implemented in 2008, requires large ships to travel at speeds of 10
knots or less seasonally, in areas where right whales feed and
reproduce, as well as along migratory routes in-between. Thanks to
cooperation and partnership with the shipping and transportation
industry, indications are that the rule is working as intended.

“Since
the ship speed restrictions went into effect, no known fatal ship
strikes of North Atlantic right whales have occurred in the management
zones," said Mark Schaefer, deputy NOAA administrator and assistant
secretary of commerce for conservation and management. “This rule is
working. Before this rule went into effect, 13 right whales died as a
result of being hit by vessels in the same areas during an 18-year study
period.”

With only about 425 North Atlantic right whales in
existence, these whales are among the most endangered in the world. The
top threats to the species are ship strikes and entanglements in fishing
gear.

Right whales are highly vulnerable to ship collisions,
because their migration route crosses major East Coast shipping lanes.
Measures taken by NOAA to prevent entanglement of right whales in
fishing gear coupled with NOAA and the International Maritime
Organization’s ship strike reduction efforts provide one of the most
comprehensive approaches ever taken by NOAA to help large whales
recover.

The rule requires vessels that are 65 feet and greater in
length to travel at 10 knots or less during the seasons right whales
are expected to be present in designated areas along the East Coast.

In
the mid-Atlantic area, the 10-knot speed restrictions extend out to 20
nautical miles around major ports. NOAA Fisheries researchers report
that approximately 80 percent of right whale sightings in the
mid-Atlantic are within 20 nautical miles of shore. NOAA also
established a program for temporary voluntary speed limits in other
areas when an aggregation of three or more right whales is confirmed.
The rule allows vessels to exceed the limit if needed to ensure vessel safety.

Friday, December 06, 2013

New Rule Will Authorize 30-Year Permits for Killing America's National Bird

New York, NY - In a stunningly bad move for eagles, the U.S. Department of the Interior has finalized a new rule
that would make it possible to grant wind energy companies 30-year
permits to kill Bald and Golden eagles. Audubon's CEO released the
following statement:

Photo by; Jim Grey

“Instead of balancing the need for conservation and renewable energy,
Interior wrote the wind industry a blank check,” said Audubon President
and CEO David Yarnold. “It’s outrageous that the government is
sanctioning the killing of America’s symbol, the Bald Eagle. Audubon
will continue to look for reasonable, thoughtful partners to wean
America off fossil fuels because that should be everyone’s highest
priority. We have no choice but to challenge this decision, and all
options are on the table.”

Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds,
nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of
community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and
advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in
conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. Visit
Audubon online at www.audubon.org.

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Elizabeth Wilson, who directs The Pew Charitable Trusts' international ocean policy unit, issued the following statement today at the conclusion of this year's annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, or ICCAT.

"Delegates from 55 governments spent the past week in Cape Town debating the future of Atlantic bluefin tuna and several species of sharks, while also exploring ways to combat illegal fishing and fraud. They took positive action to rebuild Atlantic bluefin tuna populations and end illegal fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, but failed to address the plight of vulnerable shark species that are being significantly impacted, as fisheries remain largely unregulated.

"ICCAT has taken the next step in supporting the recovery of severely depleted Atlantic bluefin tuna by maintaining catch limits, in line with scientific advice, for both the western and eastern bluefin populations at 1,750 metric tons and 13,400 mt, respectively. The future of one of the ocean’s most iconic and valuable fish—the Atlantic bluefin tuna—is brighter today. This decision will help the species stay on a path toward full recovery.

"However, despite evidence of ongoing and persistent overfishing, ICCAT member governments, for the third time, delayed the mandatory implementation of an electronic system for tracking the catch and trade of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean.

"There is clear evidence of continued illegal fishing in the eastern Atlantic bluefin fishery, with one study indicating that actual catch exceeded the quota by 57 percent between 2008 and 2011. Delaying the electronic bluefin catch document system for another year leaves loopholes wide open for fraud and illegal fishing. It undermines management efforts and threatens the recovery of this severely depleted species. To guarantee that the new 2015 deadline is met, all ICCAT member governments must make a full-faith effort to test the system during the upcoming year. That includes submitting all the necessary information required to make it fully operational as soon as possible.

"ICCAT did show leadership in the fight to end illegal fishing by mandating that to gain authorization to fish in its convention area, every large fishing vessel has to have an International Maritime Organization, or IMO, number. Each number is unique and stays with that vessel until it is scrapped. To evade authorities, over the years, owners have been able to change vessel names, radio call signs, and flags of registration—essentially changing their entire identity—with ease. Requiring IMO numbers will prevent this type of subterfuge from continuing in the ICCAT area.

"The decision means that, as of 2016, every vessel at least 20 meters long fishing in ICCAT fisheries will need an IMO number. That number also must be reflected in relevant ICCAT records. ICCAT today made great strides toward ensuring that illegal fishers cannot disguise their identity. We urge all other fisheries management bodies to follow this example by mandating IMO numbers for vessels fishing or operating in their areas of competence, and demanding timely and thorough reporting of data by flag states.

"Taking steps to better implement last year's commitment to conduct port inspections, ICCAT members adopted the use of forms to report vessel information and inspection results.

"Unfortunately the governments that are members of ICCAT have failed to limit catches of porbeagle and shortfin mako sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, despite clear scientific advice that overfishing is depleting their populations. It is deeply disappointing that, even after years of debate, these species will not be properly managed even though they are inherently vulnerable.

"An estimated 100 million sharks are killed annually around the world to meet demand for their fins and meat. Sharks are particularly at risk because they grow and reproduce slowly. ICCAT’s inaction runs contrary to the recommendations of precautionary science and will accelerate the decline of these top predators across the Atlantic Ocean."

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Learn more at www.pewtrusts.org.

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

"If hooking a panfish on a worm under a bobber doesn't make you smile, you should go see a doctor." Anthony Licata﻿

That one line, early on in Field & Stream's: The Total Fishing Manual, sets the tone for a book on the many varied tactics used in fly, lure and bait fishing that transform an all around fisherman into a well rounded angler.

Want to know the top 15 greatest lures of all time? You'll find that here. This book is packed with tips and information from panfishing to some of the toothiest and most aggressive game fish that swim. Joe Cermele and the editors of Field & Stream show how to pick the best flies, lures, baits and tackle for just about any fishing situation you'll face. You'll learn how to get the most out of your tackle and equipment. There are no wasted words in this book that you'll be sure to reference again and again.

I just finished reading it and think it's one of those fishing books that will be around for a long time. Lots of good fishing tips, some you know, others you don't, and ones you forgot. When I was a kid this is a book I would have read over and over and over (heck, I'll probably do that now).